[Sasquartch]

Nearly had my 328i for a year now and AUC warranty about to expire

I'll need some sort of breakdown insurance and probably going to Germany in the summer so European cover needed.

What's the best place to get cover ? AA, RAC, Green Flag ??

I've been with both the AA and RAC over the years and they all seem to lure you in with a good deal then massively hike the renewal.

Anyone got non-BMW cover ?

[JD6]

My 3 year warranty and BMW breakdown cover has just expired. I renewed the warranty, but not the breakdown part.

Over 20 years of BMWs I have called BMW Emergency Service 5 times. On only one of those occasions have they sent out a BMW person. The other 4 were just some random local tow truck. So I figured that I might as well take any old cover.

I used comparethemarket to look at alternatives and ended up taking a Breakdown Assist policy (backed by Axa) with a £35 excess per callout, costing under £20.

I know that they won't be great, but then neither were BMW.

[robbiep]

I had to call out BMW Assist to a stuck EGR valve on a saturday afternoon.

Called them about 1pm. The tech arrived about 2pm. By 3pm, EGR valve changed and on my way.

[Watsey]

Originally Posted by robbiep

I had to call out BMW Assist to a stuck EGR valve on a saturday afternoon.

Called them about 1pm. The tech arrived about 2pm. By 3pm, EGR valve changed and on my way.

Now that's good service.

[andrew.webber]

Originally Posted by JD6

My 3 year warranty and BMW breakdown cover has just expired. I renewed the warranty, but not the breakdown part.

Over 20 years of BMWs I have called BMW Emergency Service 5 times. On only one of those occasions have they sent out a BMW person. The other 4 were just some random local tow truck. So I figured that I might as well take any old cover.

I used comparethemarket to look at alternatives and ended up taking a Breakdown Assist policy (backed by Axa) with a £35 excess per callout, costing under £20.

I know that they won't be great, but then neither were BMW.

Anyone have any experience with Greenflag - £22 for their basic service or £38 which includes at home?

Thanks
Andrew

[Soul_Glo]

Green Flag via Natwest. Pay £18 a month. Also covers all household electric appliances and our smart phones. With phones though excess is £60 and you get a grade A reconditioned phone. Breakdown cover is included. Catch is you need a Natwest account. No excess on breakdown call outs.

[Soul_Glo]

Originally Posted by andrew.webber

Anyone have any experience with Greenflag - £22 for their basic service or £38 which includes at home?

Thanks
Andrew

I have used them twice in last ten years. When I lived in Warwickshire they partnered with some independent garages. We broke down in my Polo GTi and guy did the basics to see if he could get me back on road. Towed me home as garages closed late at night. Next day towed car to my mechanic. Up to 10 miles from home was their policy but he made an exception for 12. Helped him get on to ramp which was fun then jumped off the truck.

Other time the Audi S3 wouldn't start and a van emblazoned with green flag pulled up. He was more equipped. Had batteries... belts... fuses... I asked why it went private last time. He said when they are really busy they do that. Actually I was given the option first time. That they were going to be 2 hours and the local could arrive in 50 minutes. Cold winter night and snow... popped back in to Tesco got some Krispy Kremes, a blanket and sat tight...

Felt a bit paranoid leaving key in ignition but car was dead and my mechanic knew the guy anyway so it was fine.

Nothing negative to report

[Soul_Glo]

Originally Posted by robbiep

I had to call out BMW Assist to a stuck EGR valve on a saturday afternoon.

Called them about 1pm. The tech arrived about 2pm. By 3pm, EGR valve changed and on my way.

Did you tell then you thought it was the valve or is this common they carry it?

[robbiep]

Originally Posted by Broken_Gearbox

Did you tell then you thought it was the valve or is this common they carry it?

They diagnosed it directly from the diagnostics on the car through the Assist on the idrive.
And yes, they carry a few EGR valves with them all the time, so the tech said to me.

[HighlandPete]

Don't forget to compare what you are getting. BMW's emergency service provides a hire car if recovered, plus the extensive European cover.

[andrew.webber]

Originally Posted by Broken_Gearbox

I have used them twice in last ten years. When I lived in Warwickshire they partnered with some independent garages. We broke down in my Polo GTi and guy did the basics to see if he could get me back on road. Towed me home as garages closed late at night. Next day towed car to my mechanic. Up to 10 miles from home was their policy but he made an exception for 12. Helped him get on to ramp which was fun then jumped off the truck.

Other time the Audi S3 wouldn't start and a van emblazoned with green flag pulled up. He was more equipped. Had batteries... belts... fuses... I asked why it went private last time. He said when they are really busy they do that. Actually I was given the option first time. That they were going to be 2 hours and the local could arrive in 50 minutes. Cold winter night and snow... popped back in to Tesco got some Krispy Kremes, a blanket and sat tight...

Felt a bit paranoid leaving key in ignition but car was dead and my mechanic knew the guy anyway so it was fine.

Nothing negative to report

Thanks for that broken_gearbox - I actually have a couple of Nat West accounts so I will look into it.

Andrew